Throw a Bangin’ New Year's Eve Bash (on a Budget)

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You don't have to party in Times Square to have an awesome New Year's Eve.

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of throwing a New Year’s Eve party. But it’s also easy to spend way more money than necessary on decorations, foods and drinks.

Fear not, party fiends. You can still pull off the best bash of the year on a budget. Julie Mulligan, lifestyle expert from 1-800-Flowers, tells you how.

Here are three great ways to bring in 2009 with a bang and keep your wallet intact.

1) CREATE. You can make some imaginative party accents with things you already have around the house – items that look expensive to the eye but are practical to the wallet. So how about a New Year’s Eve Wish Tree?

Take simple objects, such as a silver vase, ice bucket or champagne bottle and add silver spray-painted tree branches. Guests can write down their wishes for the New Year on a tag and hang it from the tree. At midnight everyone can read the wishes.

2) TRANSFORM. Remember that holiday evergreen wreath you hung on your door for Christmas? Well, turn it into a New Year’s Eve wreath! Use silver ribbon, clip art and simple sparkle embellishments to make it snazzy. It’s the perfect addition to any New Year’s Eve party ambiance.

3) DESIGN IT YOURSELF. Anyone can make totally awesome centerpieces with things lying around your house. 1-800-FLOWERS.com sells funky centerpieces featuring martini glasses and flowers, but why buy a “Happy Hour Bouquet” when you can make it yourself?